Beyond the town centre, Colchester lies on the border of Constable Country, an area of natural beauty that inspired the English landscape painter John Constable, and includes the areas depicted in some of his most famous paintings including the Haywain.
Colchester's history and culture often intertwine. You can visit a Roman Theatre, or look at historic art in the Castle. Further afield you can find Medieveal wall paintings in Copford Church.
Colchester's Cultural Highlights
Colchester's contemporary art gallery hosts exhibitions, film screenings, talks, activities and much more.
The highly regarded Mercury Theatre stages both touring and self-produced plays in it's main auditorium. It also has a smaller studio theatre.
From live music and comedy to live art and children's shows, there's always something happening at Colchester Arts Centre
Live music, stand-up comedy, dancing, and more. There's something for everyone after dark in Colchester.
Theatres and Shows
There's no shortage of Theatres in Colchester, with the Mercury Theatre and smaller Headgate Theatre serving the town centre, and the Lakeside Theatre based on the University of Essex campus just outside town.
The Mercury Theatre is the town's largest, and main producing Theatre, whilst the Headgate is the home of amateur theatre in Colchester. The Lakeside stages smaller productions as well as shows by students at the University.
Aside from the traditional theatres, Colchester Arts Centre often programmes plays and more challenging productions, whilst in the summer months you can find pop-up productions in a variety of gardens, churches and unused spaces around town.
Theatres in Colchester
Shows coming up
Galleries & Exhibitions
Just over the road you can find The Minories Gallery, run by the Colchester School of Art which has a dynamic exhibition programme, often including locally based artists. Their tearoom is run by Wilkin and Sons, makers of Tiptree Jam, and their shop is a treasure trove of locally crafted items and art.
As well as art exhibitions, you can find a wealth of talks, activities, and performances taking place around town.
Exhibitions Coming Up and Now On
Something Fierce
Sat 23 Feb - Fri 19 Jul 2019
An Exhibition about the University of Essex’s Brutalist Architecture and Academic Vision
Behind the Lines: Alfred Munnings, War Artist 1918
Sat 23 Mar - Sun 3 Nov 2019
Exhibition of Alfred Munnings' War Paintings
Chappel Galleries Summer Exhibition
Sat 6 Jul - Sun 1 Sep 2019
Chappel Galleries are hosting their Summer Exhibition with works by artisits Martin Battye, Simon Carter, Michelle Franklin, Brian Taylor- Sculptor (1935-2013) and new work from gallery artists.
Summer Exhibitions 2019: Opening Celebration
Fri 19 Jul 2019
Join us to celebrate the opening of our Summer Exhibitions with a special late opening of the galleries. Be the first to explore the new shows, hear from the artists and enjoy a drink from our bar.
Mark Titchner: Some questions about us
Sat 20 Jul - Sun 13 Oct 2019
In this exhibition, Mark will present a number of works exploring the notions of displacement and belonging in connection to migration and national identity.
Siobhan Coen: Unknown Knowns
Sat 20 Jul - Sun 13 Oct 2019
English artist Siobhan Coen has been looking into the effect of RGB lights on different paint colours.
Thierry Oussou: Impossible is Nothing
Mon 30 Sep - Sat 2 Nov 2019
Exhibition at Art Exchange on the University campus
Historic Art and Culture in Colchester
Discover the landscapes that inspired some of the most recognisable art ever produced in Britain. John Constable was born and grew up close to Dedham on the Essex/Suffolk border.
Colchester Castle's collection of objects from Roman Britain is rivalled only by the British Museum. Also in town explore the ruins of a Roman Theatre and be sure to visit Britain's only known Roman Circus.
Take a trip out to St Michael and All Angels Church in Copford where you can see some of the best preserved Norman wall-paintings in Britain.
Pallot & Collins Concrete Murals
Discover a series of concrete murals around Colchester Town Centre depicting its history and famous characters from it's past.
More Culture in Colchester
Browse one-off and special film screenings in Colchester. Watch out for outdoor screenings in the summer and Colchester Film Festival in the autumn
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Regular programmes of classical music are curated by Colchester's arts venues, local churches, and other venues. The Roman River Music Festival is a yearly highlight.
Colchester has a thriving stand-up scene with several different sized venues hosting a wide range of comedians and shows. you will find a particularly busy schedule during the yearly Colchester Comedy Festival
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You can find live music week-in week-out in the pubs and bars of Colchester as well as bigger names throughout the year at venues like Colchester Arts Centre. Every summer, you can also find music festivals in Castle Park.
Browse our culture listings for Colchester
More things to do in Colchester
